Deadline Extended for Rails and Trails Banner Art

Deadline Extended to February 17, 2017

Inspiration for the theme of the 2017 Community Banner Art Project, sponsored by the West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission, should be abundant for resident and area artists who are familiar with West Chicago’s history and natural beauty. Rails & Trails is the name of the spring/summer outdoor exhibit which will hang along Main Street within sight of actual rail lines and bicycle trails.

“The invitation is out and the Commission is ready to receive submissions of artwork for consideration of the 2017 project,” said Rosemary Mackey, City of West Chicago Cultural Arts Commission staff liaison. An online submission form, with complete instructions, on the City’s website makes the process easy.

Each chosen design will be reproduced and featured on a (h)60” x (w)30” vinyl street banner. Artists selected will receive credit on both banner and in printed materials related to the exhibit. Additionally, they will be asked to submit a brief statement about the inspiration for the select piece for press use. A reception honoring the selected artists will take place during the City’s annual Blooming Fest in May and banners will hang on lamp posts on Main Street from May through September 2017.

All media are welcome, with no limitation to technique or subject matter, as long as the theme revolves around Rails & Trails. The deadline for artwork has been extended to February 17, 2017. Glenn Hansen will select the final works of art anonymously.

A People’s Choice Award will be presented to the artist who receives the most votes from the public. The award will consist of the artist’s banner following its removal at the conclusion of the display in September. Also, among those who voted for the winning banner, a random drawing will be taken and the winner will receive a $20 gift certificate to Gallery 200, West Chicago’s downtown art coop.

To view an interactive walking tour map of 2016 banners, click here. A similar map will be created for the 2017 exhibit.